Family Law

Protecting your children, your future and your peace of mind.

Divorce and custody fights are some of the hardest things people go through. You need someone steady in your corner who tells you the truth, keeps the focus on what matters, and is ready for court when the other side won't be reasonable.

What I handle

  • Divorce, including contested divorces and divorces involving a business, real estate or retirement accounts
  • Parental rights and responsibilities (what most people call custody and parenting time)
  • Child support and spousal support
  • Post-judgment modifications and enforcement
  • Protection from abuse hearings

How I approach it

I look for agreement first, because agreements usually hold up better and cost less. When agreement isn't possible, I prepare every case as if it's going to trial. Your children's wellbeing comes before winning any single point.

How a Maine divorce usually goes

  1. The first conversation. A conflict check, then a case review where we go through your situation, what you want, and what it will take.
  2. Filing and service. The complaint is filed in the District Court and served on your spouse. Nothing can be finalized until at least 60 days after service.
  3. Temporary orders, if needed. If you need a parenting schedule, support or use of the house settled while the case is pending, I ask the court for an interim order.
  4. Mediation. If you have minor children and anything is contested, Maine law requires mediation before a contested hearing. I prepare for mediation the way I prepare for trial, because that's when most cases settle.
  5. Discovery and preparation. Financial statements, documents, and when it matters, appraisals, business valuations or a guardian ad litem.
  6. Final hearing or agreement. Most cases end in a signed agreement the judge approves. The ones that don't get tried, and I'll be ready.
  7. After the judgment. Enforcing the order and, when life changes, modifying it.

Questions I get

How long will it take? An uncontested divorce can be done shortly after the 60-day mark. A contested divorce with children often takes a year or more, depending on the court's calendar and how hard the other side fights.

Who gets custody? Maine doesn't use that word. The court decides parental rights and responsibilities based on the best interest of the child, weighing factors like the child's relationship with each parent, stability, each parent's willingness to encourage contact with the other, and the child's safety. Shared parental rights are common, but the judge decides what fits your child.

What about dads? The law is gender-neutral. Fathers who are involved, organized and steady do well in Maine courts, and I've represented fathers who ended up with primary residence of their kids.

How is child support set? By the Maine child support guidelines, which start from both parents' incomes and the parenting schedule. There's a worksheet; I'll run it with you so there are no surprises.

Can I change an order later? Yes, when circumstances have changed substantially since the last order. For child support, a change of more than 15 percent from the guideline amount is treated as a substantial change, and after three years the court can review the order without any showing of change at all.

What if there's abuse? A protection from abuse order can be issued the same day on an emergency basis, and the court must hold a hearing within 21 days. A final order can last up to two years. I handle these hearings for both petitioners and people who've been wrongly accused.

Do I have to live in Maine to file here? Generally yes: you've lived in Maine for six months, you were married here and live here now, or your spouse lives here.

Will you talk to my spouse's lawyer? Constantly. Most of a family case is resolved between counsel. I'm courteous and I'm clear, and I don't give things away.

When I say no

I don't take cases where the goal is to punish the other parent. I don't promise outcomes, and I won't run up your bill fighting over things that don't change the result. If that's what you're looking for, I'm not your lawyer, and I'll tell you so in the first conversation.

Why I do this work

I've never been married and I don't have kids. I bring no story of my own into your family's case, just my full attention. At this point in my life, family law is how I help at least a few more kids grow up with a real shot at a healthy, happy adult life.

Tell me what's going on with your family. Call (207) 373-9302 or use the contact button below.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its own facts.